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Definition of 'present'
Word Frequency
     

present existing or happening now

(prezənt  )
1. ADJECTIVE [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use present to describe things and people that exist now, rather than those that existed in the
past or those that may exist in the future.
He has brought much of the present crisis on himself. 
...the government's present economic difficulties. 
It has been skilfully renovated by the present owners. 
No statement can be made at the present time. 
Synonyms: current, existing, immediate, contemporary   More Synonyms of present
2. SINGULAR NOUN
The present is the period of time that we are in now and the things that are happening now.
...his struggle to reconcile the past with the present. 
...continuing right up to the present. 
Then her thoughts would switch to the present. 
3. ADJECTIVE [ADJECTIVE noun]
In grammar, the present tenses of a verb are the ones that are used to talk about things
that happen regularly or situations that exist at this time. The simple present tense uses the base
form or the 's' form of a verb, as in 'I play tennis twice a week' and 'She works in a bank'.
4. 
 See at present
5. 
 See the present day
6. 
 See for the present
7. 
 See there's no time like the present
More Synonyms of present
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
ENGLISH EASY LEARNING GRAMMARThe present simple tenseTypical forms of
this tense are as in:
I know her.
He knows her.
The present simple tense of do is used as the supporting auxiliary when you want to:
ask ...   Read more
ENGLISH EASY LEARNING GRAMMARFinite and non-finite verbsIn a sentence,
there is normally at least one verb that has both a subject and a tense. When a verb has a subject
and a tense, it can be referred to as ...   Read more
ENGLISH EASY LEARNING GRAMMARTenseWe use verbs to talk about actions and
states. Verbs tenses allow us to talk about the time when the action or state takes place.
All main verbs have two ...   Read more
Word Frequency
     

present being somewhere

(prezənt  )
1. ADJECTIVE [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If someone is present at an event, they are there.
The president was not present at the meeting.  [+  at] 
Nearly 85 per cent of men are present at the birth of their children.  [+  at] 
The whole family was present. 
Synonyms: here, there, near, available   More Synonyms of present
2. ADJECTIVE [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If something, especially a substance or disease, is present in something else, it exists within that
thing.
This special form of vitamin D is naturally present in breast milk.  [+  in] 
One theory is that the infection has been present in humans for a very long time. 
If the gene is present, a human embryo will go on to develop as a male. 
Synonyms: in existence, existing, existent, extant   More Synonyms of present
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency
     

present gift
 (prez nt)
ə

Word forms: plural presents 
COUNTABLE NOUN
A present is something that you give to someone, for example at Christmas or when
you visit them.
The carpet was a wedding present from the Prime Minister.  [+  from] 
I bought a birthday present for my mother.  [+  for] 
This book would make a great Christmas present. 
Synonyms: gift, offering, grant, favour   More Synonyms of present
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency
     

present verb uses

(prɪzent  )
Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense presents  , present
participle presenting  , past tense, past participle presented 
1. VERB
If you present someone with something such as a prize or document, or if
you present it to them, you formally give it to them.
The mayor presented him with a gold medal at an official city reception.  [VERB  noun +  with] 
The Prime Minister presented the prizes.  [VERB  noun] 
The group intended to present this petition to the parliament.  [VERB  noun +  to] 
presentation  UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Then came the presentation of the awards by the Duke.  [+  of] 
Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging   More Synonyms of present
2. VERB
If something presents a difficulty, challenge, or opportunity, it causes it or provides it.
This presents a problem for many financial consumers.  [VERB  noun] 
The future is going to be one that presents many challenges.  [VERB  noun] 
This summer school presents an opportunity to experience all aspects of dance.  [VERB  noun] 
Public policy on the family presents liberals with a dilemma.  [VERB  noun +  with] 
[Also  V  n  to  n]
3. VERB
If an opportunity or problem presents itself, it occurs, often when you do not expect it.
Their colleagues insulted them whenever the opportunity presented itself.  [VERB  pronoun-reflexive] 
A further obstacle has presented itself, however.  [VERB  pronoun-reflexive] 
4. VERB
When you present information, you give it to people in a formal way.
We spend the time collating and presenting the information in a variety of chart
forms.  [VERB  noun] 
We presented three options to the unions for discussion.  [VERB  noun +  to] 
In effect, Parsons presents us with a beguilingly simple outline of social evolution.  [VERB  noun
+  with] 
Synonyms: put forward, offer, suggest, raise   More Synonyms of present
presentation Word forms: plural presentations VARIABLE NOUN
...in his first presentation of the theory to the Berlin Academy. 
...a fair presentation of the facts to a jury.  [+  of] 
It combines slick presentation and accurate, perceptive reporting. 
Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging   More Synonyms of present
5. VERB
If you present someone or something in a particular way, you describe them in that way.
The government has presented these changes as major reforms.  [VERB  noun +  as] 
The British like to present themselves as a nation of dog-lovers.  [VERB  noun  as  noun] 
In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light.  [VERB  noun +  in] 
6. VERB
The way you present yourself is the way you speak and act when meeting new people.
...all those tricks which would help him to present himself in a more confident way in
public.  [VERB  pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb] 
7. VERB
If someone or something presents a particular appearance or image, that is how they appear or
try to appear.
The small group of onlookers presented a pathetic sight.  [VERB  noun] 
In presenting a more professional image the party risks losing its individuality.  [VERB  noun] 
...presenting a calm and dignified face to the world at large.  [VERB  noun +  to] 
8. VERB
If you present yourself somewhere, you officially arrive there, for example for an appointment.
She was told to present herself at the Town Hall at 11.30 for the induction
ceremony.  [VERB  pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb] 
We presented ourselves to the authorities promptly.  [VERB  pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb] 
9. VERB
If someone presents a programme on television or radio, they introduce each item in it.
[mainly British]
She presents a monthly magazine programme on the BBC.  [VERB  noun] 
REGIONAL NOTE:  in AM, usually use host, introduce
10. VERB
When someone presents something such as a production of a play or an exhibition, they organize
it.
The Lyric Theatre is presenting a new production of 'Over the Bridge'.  [VERB  noun] 
Synonyms: put on, stage, perform, give   More Synonyms of present
11. VERB
If you present someone to someone else, often an important person, you formally introduce
them.
Fox stepped forward, welcomed him, and presented him to Jack.  [VERB  noun +  to] 
Allow me to present my cousin, Mr Zachary Colenso.  [VERB  noun] 
Synonyms: introduce, make known, acquaint someone with   More Synonyms of present
12.  See also presentation
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
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present in British English

(ˈprɛzənt  )
ADJECTIVE
1. (prenominal)
in existence at the moment in time at which an utterance is spoken or written
2. (postpositive)
being in a specified place, thing, etc
the murderer is present in this room
3. (prenominal)
now in consideration or under discussion
the present topic
the present author
4.  grammar
denoting a tense of verbs used when the action or event described is occurring at the time of
utterance or when the speaker does not wish to make any explicit temporal reference
5.  archaic
readily available; instant
present help is at hand
6.  archaic
mentally alert; attentive
NOUN
7.  the present
8.  grammar
a. 
the present tense
b. 
a verb in this tense
9.  at present
10.  for the present
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
C13: from Latin praesens, from praeesse to be in front of, from prae- before, in front + esse to be
Word Frequency
     

present in British English

VERB(prɪˈzɛnt  )(mainly tr)
1. 
to introduce (a person) to another, esp to someone of higher rank
2. 
to introduce to the public
to present a play
3. 
to introduce and compere (a radio or television show)
4. 
to show; exhibit
he presented a brave face to the world
5. 
to put forward; submit
she presented a proposal for a new book
6. 
to bring or suggest to the mind
to present a problem
7. 
to give or award
to present a prize
8. 
to endow with or as if with a gift or award
to present a university with a foundation scholarship
9. 
to offer formally
to present one's compliments
10. 
to offer or hand over for action or settlement
to present a bill
11. 
to represent or depict in a particular manner
the actor presented Hamlet as a very young man
12. 
to salute someone with (one's weapon) (usually in the phrase present arms)
13. 
to aim or point (a weapon)
14. 
to nominate (a member of clergy) to a bishop for institution to a benefice in the bishop's diocese
15. 
to lay (a charge, etc) before a court, magistrate, etc, for consideration or trial
16. 
to bring a formal charge or accusation against (a person); indict
17. mainly US
(of a grand jury) to take notice of (an offence) from personal knowledge or observation, before
any bill of indictment has been drawn up
18. (intransitive) medicine
to seek treatment for a particular symptom or problem
she presented with postnatal depression
19. (intransitive) informal
to produce a favourable, etc impression
she presents well in public
he presents as harmless but has poisoned his family
20.  present oneself
NOUN(ˈprɛzənt  )
21. 
anything that is presented; a gift
22.  make someone a present of something
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
C13: from Old French presenter, from Latin praesentāre to exhibit, offer,
from praesens PRESENT1
Word Frequency
     

present in American English

(ˈprɛzənt  ; for v. priˈzɛnt  ; prɪˈzɛnt  )
ADJECTIVE
1. 
a.  
being at the specified or understood place; at hand; in attendance
b.  
existing (in a particular thing)
nitrogen is  present in the air
2.  
of or at this time; existing or happening now; in progress
3.  
now being discussed, considered, written, read, etc.
the  present writer
4.  Archaic
readily available, effective, etc.
5.  Obsolete
a.  
self-possessed; collected
b.  
paying attention
6.  Grammar
indicating action as now taking place ( Ex.: she goes) or state as now existing (Ex.:
the plums are ripe), action that is habitual (Ex.: he speaks with an accent), or action that
is always the same (Ex.: the clock strikes twelve at noon)
see also historical present
NOUN
7.  
the present time
8.  Obsolete
the present occasion
9.  [pl.]
a.  
the present words or writings
b.  Law
this very document
know by these presents
10.  Grammar
a.  
the present tense
b.  
a verb form in this tense
11.  
something presented, or given; gift
VERB TRANSITIVEWord forms: preˈsent
12.  
to bring (a person) into the presence of, and introduce formally to, another or others
13. 
a.  
to honor (someone), esp. formally, with a gift, award, etc.
the mayor presented him with the keys to the city
b.  
to provide or confront (someone) with something
this  presents us with a difficult problem
14. 
a.  
to offer for viewing or notice; exhibit; display; show
b.  
to offer (a show, exhibit, etc.) to the public
15.  
to offer for consideration
to  present a plan, opportunity, etc.
16.  
to give (a gift, donation, award, etc.) to a person, organization, etc.
17.  
to hand over, give, or send (a bill, credentials, etc.) to someone
18.  
to represent, depict, or interpret in the manner indicated
19.  
to point or aim (a weapon, etc.)
20.  
to nominate to an ecclesiastical benefice
21.  Law
a.  
to put before a legislature, court, etc. for consideration
b.  
to bring a charge or indictment against
VERB INTRANSITIVEWord forms: preˈsent
22.  
to come before a physician (with a particular symptom, medical history, etc.)
SIMILAR WORDS:  give
Idioms:
preˈsent arms
SYNONYMY NOTE:present, gift both refer to something given as an expression of friendship,
affection, esteem, etc., but , gift more often suggests formal bestowal [Christmas presents, the
painting was a gift to the museum]; donation applies to a gift of money, etc. for a philanthropic,
charitable, or religious purpose, esp. as solicited in a public drive for funds [a donation to the
orchestra fund]; gratuity applies to a gift of money, etc. for services rendered, such as a tip to a
waiter
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin
OFr < L praesens, prp. of praeesse, to be present < prae-, before (see pre-) + esse, to be
(see essence); (sense 11) OFr, in phr. mettre en present à, to put before (someone), present, offer,
hence a gift
Examples of 'present' in a sentence

present
 These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
It said that the advert must not reappear in its present form.
TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)
She noticed that he had not given her a present that morning.
TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)
The watch was a birthday present for my wife.
TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)
Your love life will be more rewarding when you resist comparing past and present
relationships.
THE SUN (2016)
People do not seem to live in the present for large parts of their daily waking hours.
TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)
The book is presented as a series of dreams.
SMITHSONIAN MAG (2017)
None were formally presented to Mr Obama.
TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)
FEELING a little present tense?
THE SUN (2016)
The present took the form of a small wooden doll.
TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2013)
Many streaming sites allow viewers to gift virtual presents or real money to
broadcasters.
TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)
Show more...

Quotations
Look to this day
For it is life, the very life of lifeTHE SUFI
 For present joys are more to flesh and blood
Than a dull prospect of a distant goodJOHN DRYDENTHE HINDU AND THE PANTHER
Ah, fill the cup: - what boots it to repeat
How time is slipping underneath our feet;
Unborn tomorrow, and dead yesterday,
Why fret about them if today be sweet!EDWARD FITZGERALDTHE RUBÁIYÁT OF OMAR KHAYYÁM
Presents, I often say, endear AbsentsCHARLES LAMBESSAYS OF ELIA
There is no time like the present
Trends of

present
View usage for:      
In other languages

present
British English: present  /ˈprɛzənt/ adjective
If someone is present somewhere, they are there.
He wasn't present when they called out his name.
 American English: present 
 Arabic: ‫اضر‬ ِ ‫ َح‬ 
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente 
 Chinese: 现在的 
 Croatian: prisutan 
 Czech: přítomný 
 Danish: tilstedeværende 
 Dutch: aanwezig 
 European Spanish: presente 
 Finnish: läsnäoleva 
 French: présent  ici
 German: anwesend 
 Greek: παρών 
 Italian: presente 
 Japanese: 居る 
 Korean: 참석한 
 Norwegian: til stede 
 Polish: obecny 
 European Portuguese: presente 
 Romanian: prezent
 Russian: присутствующий 
 Latin American Spanish: presente 
 Swedish: närvarande 
 Thai: ปรากฏตัว 
 Turkish: var 
 Ukrainian: присутній
 Vietnamese: có mặt 
British English: present  /ˈprɛzənt/ noun
gift A present is something that you give to someone for them to keep.
She got a present for her birthday.
 American English: present  gift
 Arabic: ‫هَ ِديَّة‬ 
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente  doação
 Chinese: 礼物 
 Croatian: dar 
 Czech: dárek 
 Danish: gave 
 Dutch: cadeau 
 European Spanish: regalo 
 Finnish: lahja 
 French: cadeau 
 German: Geschenk 
 Greek: δώρο 
 Italian: regalo 
 Japanese: プレゼント  gift
 Korean: 선물 
 Norwegian: presang 
 Polish: prezent  podarunek
 European Portuguese: presente  doação
 Romanian: cadou
 Russian: подарок 
 Latin American Spanish: regalo 
 Swedish: present 
 Thai: ของขวัญ 
 Turkish: armağan 
 Ukrainian: дарунок
 Vietnamese: quà 
British English: present  /prɛzənt/ noun
current time The present is the period of time that is taking place now.
 American English: present  time being
 Arabic: ‫اضر‬ِ ‫ َح‬ 
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente  tempo atual
 Chinese: 现在 
 Croatian: sadašnjost 
 Czech: současnost 
 Danish: nutiden 
 Dutch: heden 
 European Spanish: presente 
 Finnish: nykyhetki 
 French: présent  actuel
 German: Gegenwart 
 Greek: παρόν 
 Italian: presente 
 Japanese: 現在  time being
 Korean: 현재 
 Norwegian: nåtid 
 Polish: teraźniejszość  czas teraźniejszy
 European Portuguese: presente  tempo actual
 Romanian: prezent
 Russian: текущий момент 
 Latin American Spanish: presente 
 Swedish: nutid 
 Thai: ปั จจุบน ั  
 Turkish: şu an 
 Ukrainian: сьогодення
 Vietnamese: hiện tại 
British English: present  /prɪˈzent/ verb
If you present someone with a prize or with information, you give it to them.
The prime minister presented the prizes.
 American English: present 
 Arabic: ‫يَ ْقدُم‬ 
 Brazilian Portuguese: apresentar 
 Chinese: 授予 
 Croatian: predstaviti 
 Czech: předat 
 Danish: præsentere 
 Dutch: presenteren 
 European Spanish: presentar 
 Finnish: esitellä 
 French: présenter  montrer
 German: überreichen 
 Greek: παρουσιάζω 
 Italian: presentare 
 Japanese: 紹介する 
 Korean: 제출하다 
 Norwegian: introdusere 
 Polish: przedstawić 
 European Portuguese: apresentar 
 Romanian: a prezenta
 Russian: дарить 
 Latin American Spanish: presentar 
 Swedish: presentera 
 Thai: ให ้ 
 Turkish: tanıştırmak 
 Ukrainian: вручати
 Vietnamese: trao tặng 

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Nearby words of

present
 presenile
 presenile dementia
 presension
 present
 present a danger
 present a dilemma
 present a picture

All ENGLISH words that begin with 'P'
Related terms of

present
 at present
 present-day
 re-present
 the present
 present arms

View more related words
Source
Definition of present from the Collins English Dictionary
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Scrabble score
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9
Quick Word Challenge
Question: 1
 - 
Score: 0 / 5
hoard or horde?
Which version is correct?
They began to hoard food and save money.They began to horde food and save money.
knot or not?
Which version is correct?
One lace had broken and been tied in a knot.One lace had broken and been tied in a not.
gone or went?
Which version is correct?
 I gone home at the weekend. I went home at the weekend. 
gorilla or guerilla?
Which version is correct?
It was the beginning of a gorilla war.It was the beginning of a guerilla war.
flew or flu?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
flew
 
flu
The plane     through the clouds.
Your score:
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